Lucy and Amy Helmer, owners of The Big Scoop in Marion, are collecting donations to do something special for those forgotten elderly in Marion. Customers at the business are being challenged to contribute to the cause. The Helmers are curious to see who is more generous, men or women, so two separate containers, one for women and one for men, are on the counter. Donations will go to residents at St. Luke Living Center and Marion Manor.

Casey Nelson, Marion High School junior, has been selected as the Marion County Record Athlete of the Week. Nelson won all five of his matches during the week and earned him the 152-pound championship in the Hesston Invitational.

Births announced this week included Quade Tucker, son of Michael and Vicki Kay Williams of Marion. Quade was born Nov. 24 at Newton Medical Center.

Fourth grader Dylan Goebel took first place Thursday afternoon in the Marion Elementary School geography bee. Other top winners were sixth graders Connor Thierolf, second place, Madison Chamberland and Kayla Williams.

Will Carpenter, new owner of the former Florence Market, now Wilbur’s Market, looks forward to making improvements and providing more selection to his customers.